Why is arthritis worse when it gets cold?

Fortunately, in Northwest Florida, we don’t experience a really harsh winter; however, arthritis flares when the weather is cold and/or damp – and both of these extremes are often experienced within tropical storms or with winter temps that dip down, sometimes, to below freezing.  Arthritis causes stiffness, pain, and swelling of the joints.  Cold temperatures tend to make muscles contract, which puts more pressure on joints that may already be hurting.

            Even though you may be tempted to cloister yourself inside a warm house during the winter, Arthritis Today magazine advises just the opposite!  Here are a few tips they suggest:

• Stay warm and dry – you may want to equip your home with a dehumidifier.
• Stay active – exercise helps keep joints moving.
• Get help – Dr. Hulon Crayton encourages his patients to see him regularly during the winter months.
• Keep to your diet – Diets, during the winter, tend to be fat-building, but it is important to maintain a healthy diet throughout the winter -- and -- year!

Remember this:  Pain is NOT normal!  Let the experts at The Arthritis and Infusion Center help with your arthritis symptoms in winter … spring … summer … and fall.  We’re here for you regardless of the season of life you’re in!

GETTING the MOST from Your FIRST Appointment: Getting Comfortable

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center we understand that coming to your first appointment with Dr. Crayton (or to any medical appointment for that matter), can be very nerve racking.  In fact, some people even experience a rise in blood pressure, which is often humorously referred to as “White Coat Syndrome”.  However, our team of healthcare professionals does not want your visit to our practice to be anything but a very positive experience.  In our previous two blogs, What Should I Bring? and Notes and Medicine Bottles, that discussed Getting the MOST from Your FIRST Appointment, we explained how to prepare ahead of time with your paperwork.  Now, we suggest the following. 

• As previously suggested, bring your physician’s order with you.
• Dress in loose, comfortable clothing.
• Take all your regular medications, unless your referring doctor prescribes otherwise.
• Plan ahead of time by allowing enough time to complete the necessary radiology and/or diagnostic exams and/or treatments.
• Arrange for transportation, if needed.



If you are coming for an Infusion, we suggest that you wear comfortable, layered clothing that you can adjust in case you become overly warm or cool.  Bring along an extra sweater or blanket to have handy.  To pass the time, you may want to bring:

• Games
• Reading material
• Handwork (knitting, crocheting)
• MP3 Player (We offer WiFi & headphones)
• You can also use the time for meditation.

Perhaps the most important thing you can bring is a smile and a positive attitude, knowing that you are in good hands at The Arthritis and Infusion Center.  And don’t forget:  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help!”

GETTING the MOST from Your FIRST Appointment: What Should I Bring?

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, we want your first appointment to be a pleasant as possible.  Therefore we request that you bring the following information with you:

• Medical Records – Knowing your medical history and what care you have previously received (hospitalizations, office visits, treatments) helps us with compiling a more thorough medical history.
• Referring Physician Information – Although you do not have to be referred by another physician to see Dr. Crayton, we may want to consult with the physician who may have referred you to our practice.  Please bring addresses, with phone/fax number of your primary care and referring physicians to your first appointment.
• Medications – As we mentioned in our previous blog post, knowing what medications you are taking is important.  Please bring all bottles with you.
• X-rays -- If possible, please bring any actual x-ray films related to your condition. 
• Insurance pre-authorization form and an ID card – Your healthcare insurance coverage may have been discussed before you arrive, but please bring your health insurance ID card, along with a photo ID, such as a driver’s license.

For more information, new patient forms, driving directions and more visit our Patient Center.

This information is very important to ensure the most prompt and thorough care of you – our patient.  And remember, “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”

GETTING the MOST from Your FIRST Appointment: Bring Notes & Medicine Bottles

About a week before you go to your first appointment with Dr. Hulon Crayton, start preparing for your visit with this experienced Rheumatologist.  Do a self-assessment of the exact spots of your aches and pains, along with making notes as to any physical limitations these areas may cause you.  For instance, can you pick up things easily and carry them from one place to another?  Can you do basic chores around house?  Then, during your first visit, Dr. Crayton will be taking a full medical history, so you need to provide information regarding any family history of you condition.  In addition, he will need to know about surgical procedures you’ve undergone or allergies you may have.  It is also extremely helpful for you to bring in ALL the medicine bottles you currently take, which includes over-the-counter pills, vitamins, as well as all prescriptions.  At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, a large portion of our very personalized service includes educating our patients.  By looking at your medicine bottles, it helps us make certain of the spelling of your meds, since many medicines sound similar in pronunciation.  Plus, we need to know the directions other physicians have been giving you as to dosage, etc., so that we can make certain Dr. Crayton prescribes the correct treatment plan for you to follow.  Your healthcare is truly a team effort, and you are at the very center of the team!  Remember:  “Pain is not normal.  Let us help.”

Visit the Arthritis and Infusion Center's Patient Center!

Debunking Myths ... Arthritis Style

           It doesn’t take you long on the Internet to find some pretty amazing “natural” cures to what ails you -- from apple cider vinegar for gout to gin-soaked raisins for arthritis.  What took us on this quest for “knowledge” was a patient telling us that her mother used a well-known greasing agent (that uses letters and numbers in its name brand) to give her relief from joint pain.  We were appalled, but did our own research and found that it was, indeed, a pretty common MYTH.  Unfortunately, using this greasing agent can not only dry out your skin, but it can also have cumulative harmful effects due to the kerosene it contains.  Therefore, we strongly encourage you to call us to 1) get a proper diagnosis for your Rheumatological condition, and then 2) understand that more medications have been discovered in the last 10 years for arthritis, and its associated conditions, than in the last 100 years!  We do understand that there are some herbs and natural compounds that may give you relief from your pain, but wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry?  Call us today, because – Pain is not normal! And, The Arthritis and Infusion Center can help! 

Venus Williams diagnosed with Sjorgen's Syndrome

In late August, The New York Times reported that Venus Williams exited the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center due to a diagnosis of Sjogren’s Syndrome.  Originally thought to be a viral illness in Ms. Williams, The Arthritis Foundation advises that “This autoimmune condition involves more than just chronic dry eyes and mouth – it can affect other organs and systems as well.  Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, rashes on the arms and legs, and inflammation of tiny blood vessels.  The lungs, liver, and kidneys may become inflamed; some people develop tingling and numbness in the limbs because of neurological involvement.”  Dr. Hulon Crayton, of The Arthritis and Infusion Center, is the longest-tenured Rheumatologist in this region who is well versed in the treatment of not only Sjogren’s Syndrome, but Dr. Crayton has a broad range of exposure to all manifestations of Rheumatological diseases.  While a diagnosis of Sjogren’s Syndrome is not life threatening, unfortunately (to date), there is no cure.  The Arthritis and Infusion Center has the most current information regarding this condition, and the sooner you address the symptoms, the sooner you can manage this condition. Remember the theme of The Arthritis and Infusion Center:  Pain is not normal.  Let The Arthritis and Infusion Center help!©

“The Silent Killer” … Another Name for Osteoporosis

Unfortunately, elderly patients with osteoporosis are the most vulnerable for compression fractures, which are broken bones of the spine. This fracture normally occurs with osteoporosis, but could also be caused from trauma to the back or tumors in the bone.

Symptoms of Compression Fractures, which cause severe back pain, usually occur in the mid to lower part of the spine. Our patients have described “shooting” pains that are aggravated by walking and a stooped posture.

The tests that are recommended for Compression Fractures include a bone density test to evaluate the osteoporosis that may be present, followed by a CT or MRI scan if there is concern that the fracture was caused by the trauma or tumors (mentioned above).

Fortunately, treatment is available and healing can occur over eight to ten weeks. There are medications available to treat osteoporosis, which can help prevent future fractures, but when vertebrae have already collapsed, treatment cannot reverse the fracture.

Immediately contact Dr. Crayton at The Arthritis and Infusion Center if you have back pain and think you may have experienced a compression fracture. The sooner you seek medical help, the faster we can ease your pain and get to the bottom of what is causing your discomfort. Remember our slogan: “Pain is not normal. Let us help.”